Applying for a Kinship Care Order

Information regarding a Kinship Care Order and kinship care assistance can be found in Part 13 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the Kinship Care Assistance (Scotland) Order 2016.

To receive a Kinship Care Order you must be a person who:

Is related to the child

Is a friend/acquaintance of a person who is related to the child

Has a relationship or connection to the child

A parent does not apply.

In some cases a parent will retain some parental responsibilities and rights for the children which can have an impact on the child and the carer. The Local Authority must provide information and advice to those seeking, holding or subject to a Kinship Care Order.

A Kinship Care Order can ensure a more stable home for the child. Having parental responsibilities and rights will allow the kinship carer to make a range of decisions in relation to a child’s day to day life. Such as:

Consent to a child’s medical procedures

Obtain a passport for the child

Be responsible for their property

An order will continue until the child is 16 years where it is felt a child will be able to decide their own place of residence. In exceptional circumstances an order may continue past 16 years.